No Citrus, Coffee/Tea, Eggs, Dairy, Soy

Hey everybody! I'm 24 years old and within the last 6 months I was diagnosed with allergies to all of the above mentioned foods. The allergies contribute to chronic pain and inflammation in my joints, not to mention gastrointestinal problems and acne.

After receiving the diagnosis, I removed all the products from my diet and began taking cod liver oil to assist with pain relief. The change made a huge difference and I felt so much better (having gone from a condition where I survived off 9-12 capsules of Ibuprofen a day, no exercise other than walking, and continued discomfort). Today I am able to swim and use the elliptical without too much pain. I also use orthotic inserts in my workout shoes.

Although the change in pain and inflammation has been great, the change in my diet caused me to get a kidney stone. I receive the results of the stone analysis tomorrow, at which time I'll discuss my nutrion needs with the doctor. I'll keep you all posted as to the results and share with you how it is so important to make sure you get all the nutrients you need. Until now, I had no idea the huge impact of foods on the body.

I have similar limitations, my doc told me MEAT is a very important thing to eat because it had lots of vitamins and minerals. Also, broccoli is packed with calcium and almost everything else you need. Eat veggies of each color; sweet potato, red cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, beets, kale. Add brown rice or barley and you're very close to a perfectly balanced diet.

Can you do yoga or t'ai chi? You'll need those inserts for it.

Hi, wermfud. Thanks for the response. You are so right about striving for a balanced diet by focusing on varied colors in a meal. I'm trying a lot more veggies outside of my normal diet like sweet potato and bok choy. I've also started eating brown rice and brown rice pasta (surprisingly good). Next up...beets.

I'm incorporating pilates right now, but I'll remember to check out t'ai chi. I've done yoga before and I may need to bring it back in.

I got the results from the kidney stone test and it revealed that I'm deficient in calcium. I'm taking supplements in addition to focusing on foods that have a lot of calcium in them, like broccoli and rice milk.

Do you find that certain meats/fish help your condition? Other than salmon, tuna, and mackerel, I'm not sure which meats help.

Thanks again and take care.

I hope you don't mind that I add to your Tai Chi part. I did it for years and it not only promotes good body health but amazing mental health. It's hard for people to slow down and do it I've noticed. But if you stick to it, you won't want to rush through it and you will almost leave your mind. It was one of the best things I ever did, it also helped with my stress SO MUCH. I am having  hard time finding classes for myself. My teacher was excellent, but he got his teachings from one of the greats...so it's hard to match.

I have a ton of allergies myself, and I think some are food related as well. I found I have a bit of lactos intollerance, and maybe more than I even know.

I wish you luck. It's good to hear that the cut backs have reduced your discomfort. I don't like being immobile from pain (done that, no thanks).